Illini Football: Three Breakout Candidates for 2024 Season

Illini Football: Three Breakout Candidates for 2024 Season

There are a few breakout candidates on the Illini Football roster heading into the 2024 season. The team lost NFL talent on both sides of the ball and also relied on some young talent during the 2023 season. With a very important year ahead, three players stick out as guys who will step into a larger role and take a large amount of responsibility in their positions.

1) QB Luke Altmyer

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Despite a roller coaster 2023 season for the Illini, Luke Altmyer showed that he can be one of the better quarterbacks in the Big Ten. In just his first year as a starter, Altmyer completed 64.8 percent of passes and threw for 13 touchdowns. Altmyer also showed really strong legs and athleticism as he even rushed for a 72-yard touchdown. His offensive line should be a strength of the team led by some veterans and he has weapons at all positions. He has three very solid wide receivers Zakhari Franklin, Pat Bryant, and Malik Elzy.

Look for Altmyer to settle in during his second year as the Illini QB with efficiency and solid play.

2) RB Kaden Feagin

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Kaden Feagin sat in a very deep running back room to start off his freshman year. Despite this, injuries occurred and Feagin showed he may have been the best back of the room. The central Illinois native rushed for 438 yards as a true freshman and is primed for a breakout season as the lead back. Additionally, Feagin should have support in a very deep room that involves Aidan Laughery, Josh McCray, and Jordan Anderson.

Feagin has been one of the highest-ranked recruits that Bret Bielema has been able to reel in. If healthy, look for Feagin to break out and put up stout numbers.

3) WR Malik Elzy

Speaking of highly ranked prep recruits, Malik Elzy was a four star prospect who committed to Illinois during the Under Armour All-American game. Though he may not have had the most impressive freshman year, Elzy is undeniably talented and brings a unique toolset to the Illini receiver room. There will certainly be a lot of attention placed on the upperclassmen, Pat Bryant and Zakhari Franklin. With that being said, Elzy should find ways to get open with the attention placed on Bryant and Franklin. If Elzy can work on consistency, look for the rising sophomore to breakout alongside a more comfortable quarterback in Luke Altmyer.

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